Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the safety and effectiveness of the Vitesse hypersonic vitrectomy device for retinal re-attachment surgery in proliferative (diabetic) vitreoretinopathy cases. Vitesse utilizes hypersonic technology to liquefy instead of cut the vitreous, providing an alternative to the traditional pneumatic guillotine cutter.
Methods :
Patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy or proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy where hypersonic vitrectomy was used for re-attachment of detached retina were analyzed. Effectiveness of hypersonic vitrectomy was evaluated, both subjectively using a questionnaire, and objectively by means of video documentation of procedures, device settings, and data collection of the patients’ medical histories.
Results :
In all 16 cases, Vitesse separated the vitreous from the detached retina completely with no iatrogenic tissue damage. Vitreous traction was only documented in one case. A conversion to a guillotine cutter was necessary in none of the cases. In 6 of 16 cases shaving of the vitreous base was performed after early fluid-air exchange with hypersonic vitrectomy as a safe procedure without any complications. No adverse events suspected to be related to hypersonic vitrectomy were documented in the follow-up visits.
Conclusions :
The Vitesse device has potential advantages over traditional devices used for vitrectomy including reduced vacuum volumes which limited the amount of turbulence and avoid traction in the eye. Liquefaction directly in front of the probe entrance allows for continuous unrestricted fluid flow. A potential disadvantage of this procedure is a longer duration of procedure time for liquefying the vitreous. Investigation is ongoing to optimize the machine settings and device tip design.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.